happiness

Three things to be happy about:
(1) looking at photo albums
(2) an unexpected hug
(3) baked yams


In my blog the other day when I showed some completed blocks, I wished I had more of the red fabric.  This is how much I had left after sewing my blocks:

Yesterday evening I looked in a carton and found a "little bit" more:

I have 5 yards, woot woot!!  I couldn't believe it!  Sometimes when I would see fabric that I really liked, I'd get a lot of it - I really, really like this fabric. This one is called "yarn" by philip de leon for Alexander Henry, 2001. True bliss!  The color looks a bit wonky; the true color is in the scrap above. 

And here's some black and white I found in a bag, forgot I had it:

black and white happiness!   Before my fabric diet I always bought black and white when I saw a new one because ... well just because I like it!  I knew one day I'd need lots of black and white, and I was right.  I got these pieces from Seminole Sampler over two years ago, a-hem.

And last but not least, happiness is spending time with my one and only sister...

Two sexy senior chicks! 

Well, today is a hair day, then a repairman, then shopping.  I needn't worry about hanging over the sink with a wet head, at the mercy of someone who talks and talks and talks and forgets to shampoo your hair - she moved to Florida last month.  

Sew forth and sew on til later!

Day 3: in which we wait in lines

Oh my, how the time has flown!  Yesterday was the last full day Shell and Curt were here and we spent it visiting the casino.  Actually I think more time was spent going TO the casino than actually being there!  I couldn't believe the line of traffic on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway - what should have taken 45 minutes turned into a 2-hour trip, sheesh!  And parking was another nightmare, we had to park in a restaurant parking lot and cross our fingers.  Yesterday they were having a giveaway promo that brought out the crowds!

But the good news is we made it to the casino, even though the machines were full full full!  And then if you got a chance to play your favorite, the lines to cash in your winnings were off the chart - more waiting!  Shell and Curt liked the place, but they were saying it was very small (it is) and crowded (it was) and a lot of the machines were out of order (they were).  We left there around 3:30 and were back home by 4:15.

And now today *sob* we said our goodbyes and I dropped them at the train station, but not before I gifted Shell with one of my quilts, my Houses of a Different Color. 

Do you think she likes it?  LOL 

She promises to come back next July with her oldest granddaughter, Elise.

I got a couple more pieces of black and white fabric cut, no sewing this time.  I think this is all I'll share with you til I finish the quilt!  ;o)

Today its errands then back home to do whatever it is I do all day... probably re-clutter my sewing stuff!  Have a great Wednesday  Thursday - sew forth and sew on!

Day 2: in which we see stuff!

Yesterday was a touristy day for my sister and me - and Curt too! 

It was easier getting around than I thought it would be; we only walked 4 blocks to the Metro, then at Union Station we got tickets to the sightseeing trolley which we caught just outside the doors.

 

There are a lot of stops along the route, but IMHO at $39 it's a bit pricey.  There are 20 trolley stops in a loop, including a chance to transfer to a different shuttle for the Arlington National Cemetery.  20 stops!!  Come on, who can cover all those places in one day!?  So basically you have to pick and choose which ones you want to visit, then get back on the trolley for the next part of the loop. 




Curt and Michelle at MLK memorial

 Curt was really interested in the King memorial, so we stopped there first.  They were impressed with the layout and the quotes from Dr. King's speeches - Shell says it definitely told a story! 

I visited the memorial just after it opened to the public, before it was scheduled to be dedicated, and it was "standing room only"!  Yesterday, not so much - plenty of room to move around and get close for photo ops.


Shell wanted to see the First Ladies' gowns at the American History Museum, where we also had lunch. (Taste alert!!! They had some chocolate bread pudding in the Stars and Stripes cafeteria that will make your taste buds dance!!) I haven't been to the American History museum for years and years! We didn't have time to go through the whole thing so I'll have to make it a point to go back later.  So much good stuff in there!

Here's a bit of history I wanted to share: when I was born, this is the china service that was being used in the White House!

Then-First Lady Bess Truman had worn this pretty red gown to their inaugural ball.

We didn't have any 9-11 related issues yesterday, it was a great day for doing the touristy thing.  I'm glad Shell and Curt could come at this particular time because a lot of the really hot weather has gone so we all sleep comfortably (I have no central AC). 

I got up this morning (whilst they slept!) and made a few more six-inch blocks; it's coming along nicely!

Shell wants to visit the new casino in Arundel, Md, so today we'll make that short trip among other things.  Enjoy your Wednesday, sew forth and sew on!